Seljuk Islamic earrings (c. 9th-10th century CE)
These delicate earrings are in remarkably undamaged shape for being such a small object with delicate bangles that have remained intact nearly 2,000 years. The delicate filigree and small chain holding the details together illustrate the Seljuk (or Seljuq) jewelry style. The Seljuk were (possibly Sunni, historians debate this) Muslim Turkish people, descended from central Asian nomadic bands. From the 11th to 14th centuries, they ruled much of central Aslai and Anatolia.
The Seljuk crafted jewelry using influences of Persian, Central Asian, Turkish, and Islamic traditions. These earrings are thought to be from the 9th or 10th century CE. At the time, both men and women wore these types of earrings, and the demand prompted heightened artistry in their design. Creating these highly detailed works of wearable art was extremely challenging, but the Seljuk jewelry crafters were extremely skilled in the art form.
